PIEDMONT- America's Mrs. Congeniality, Margaret Preuss, 87, passed away on Monday September 23, 2013. Margaret was born on April 18, 1926 to John and Emma Schulte in Geddes, SD. In 1946 she met the love of her life John Preuss. They eloped and tied the knot. Their joy was their only child Patricia Creek of Piedmont, SD. Margaret was well known for her 38 years serving at Arrowhead Country Club, but to her family she was the sole cookie provider. Between her four grandchildren (Dawn Massie, Alicia Snow, John Creek, and Christina Christians), 22 great grand children, and 9 great-great grand children, she baked full-time ensuring all of them had plenty of peanut butter bon-bons, chocolate chip cookies and chocolate covered strawberries. She enjoyed all of the beautiful things in life. Whimsical flower gardens were her passion. Her lawn was Better Homes and Gardens' worthy. She loved to make holiday wreaths. We would like to think she was better than Martha Stewart - sorry Martha. If you've ever had the pleasure of driving Mrs. Margaret, she would always point out all the beautiful things "Look at how green the grass is, look at those pretty mountains, look at the lovely flowers (they're weeds grandma, but ok!)" The only thing she hated was thunderstorms. She would run, hide and complain about "those dang thunderstorms." Worry wart. She constantly worried about the safety and well-being of all her friends and family. Hard workinglazy wasn't tolerated. She would work from sun up to sun down. After spending the day helping grandma, forget the ice cream man! She had a deep freezer stockpiled full of ice cream treats. If you wanted secondsGrandma wouldn't judge! She was full of unconditional love for everyone around her. She was a true lady! While most of us will pass through life without ever stopping to smell the roses, Margaret made it a part of her daily routine. She taught her family that you don't need money to enjoy the endless splendor that life has to offer. She was preceded in death by her husband, John in 1993. Survivors include daughter, Patricia "Patty" (Joe) Creek, Piedmont; four grandchildren; brothers, Lawrence Schulte, Geddes, and Frank Schulte, Platte; and sisters, Loretta Larson, Geddes, and Luella Parthenay, Vancouver, Wash. Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with 7 p.m. Christian wake services Thursday, Sept. 26, at Our Lady of the Black Hills Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, at the church, with the Rev. William Zandri presiding. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Memorials have been established.